Authored by Eric | Discussion: 1 Comment »

It’s tough being a Crew fan!

June 18th, 2007 categories: Columbus, Entertainment, Local Communities, Sports, Westerville

Until a few years ago when my twin daughters began playing soccer, I didn’t know the first thing about the game.  In fact, I often made fun of one of my good friends from high school who is, to say the least, a soccer fanatic.  And now, I have become a bit of a fanatic!

My daughters are entering their third season as a part of the WASA Eagles club.  For most of the year, our family devotes 4 days a week or so to the sport I once jeered.  Truth be told, I love it.  The Mid Ohio Select Soccer League is a thriving organization and we have enjoyed seeing our girls and their friends learn, grow and challenge themselves. 

Win, lose or draw, they are our children and we support them.  As a parent, this is easy to do, but as a fan of the Columbus Crew it is a bit harder.

I do not consider myself a fair weather fan, but winning is nice.  My new found passion for soccer has lead me to follow the only Major League Soccer team in our area.

The Crew were introduced in 1994 and in in 1999 opened the first soccer specific stadium in the United States.  Fan support was strong and Columbus was honored to be a part of Major League Soccer.  The story since then has been one of ups and downs.

The last few seasons the Crew has struggled, not making the playoffs since 2004.  Last year, with storied coach Sigi Schmid coming on board, was billed as a re-building season.  After a dismal 2006 season the “construction” is again active this year.  With a roster which changes like Columbus area weather the Crew again have a firm grip on the basement spot in the Eastern Division.

But wait! There is hope!  They are actually scoring goals and fortunately have tied more often than they have lost.  This is a good thing in soccer as ties gain points for a team while losses do not.  Somehow, someway there is still hope.  At least from my perspective as a soccer convert there is hope.

In the meantime what can we as Columbus Crew Fans do to help?

1. Attend the games – Crew Stadium is a great venue and a fun place to take a date, have a family night out or just be alone in your soccer kilt

2. Watch the games – This year MLS has the best TV coverage ever

3. Stay positive – Remember, there is hope

4. Be patient – The Crew is here to stay as is evidenced by the planned training facility

The bottom line is we are lucky to have the Crew.  Soccer is growing in the United States and will continue to do so.  Clearly, we can not win them all but at the same time it can’t get much worse.  If you are like me, you will find a way to put your disappointment aside and be a true fan, win or lose.

Go Crew!

Authored by Eric | Discussion: 1 Comment »

City Hop 2007

June 15th, 2007 categories: Real Estate News

June 16 is the date and downtown Columbus is the place.  Over 35 units from approximately 22 condominium projects will open their doors to the public for the 8th Annual City Hop brought to you by Columbus Landmarks.

New this year for the event is a shuttle service, included in the price of admission, taking you to the three ticket stops while a tour guide discusses the historic landmarks our beautiful city offers.  Over 4,200 residential units currently in various stages of completion are projected for our downtown area.  If you are interested in making downtown your home, whether in a loft, a renovated building, townhouse, apartment or luxury condominium, you really don’t want to miss this event.

Participating communities are (drum roll, please):

Burnham Square Condominiums
The Condominiums at North Bank Park
The Buggyworks
Arena Crossing Apartments
EcleXtion Lofts
LaFayette Lofts
Lofts at 106
8 On The Square
Carlyle’s Watch
Sixty Spring
225 North Fourth Street
CityView at Third
Hartman Lofts
Ohio Lofts
199 South Fifth
Terraces on Grant
Rich Street Walk
The Jeffrey
Kramer Place
Jeffrey Place
Jeffrey Lofts
North Block 1

To purchase your tickets, either go to the sites listed below or save three bucks and purchase online here:  http://www.columbuslandmarks.org/cityhop/tix.html 

1. THE ARENA GRAND THEATRE TICKET STOP
Arena District
175 Nationwide Boulevard
2. THE HARTMAN LOFTS TICKET STOP
Central Business District/Market Exchange Area
150 E. Main Street
3. JEFFREY/KRAMER TICKET STOP
Italian Village
224 East 1st Ave.

While you’re downtown, there are a couple other events you should take the time to check out:

Festival Latino
Occurring June 15 & 16 is the 12th Annual Latin Festival located at Bicentennial Park and Genoa Park from 11am to 10 pm both days.
Fill your noodle with culture and your belly with great eats and celebrate Latin American culture during the largest Hispanic/Latino event in our great state.  For more information check out www.festivallatino.net .

And to cap off your weekend downtown experience you just might enjoy the Grillmasters Festival on Sat., Jun 16 at the North Market on 59 Spruce Street.  This all day festival celebrating summer and outdoor cuisine will be highlighted by the bluegrass band Slate Ridge from 10 am to 12 pm. 

With so much happening downtown in one weekend, you may just give living the Midwestern urban lifestyle another thought. 
This is a dynamic, sophisticated, diverse and sweet part of central Ohio, which so much to offer every lifestyle.

Authored by Eric | Discussion: No Comments »